HUTT CITY COUNCIL NEWS RELEASE

4 MAY2016

Council to consider more smokefree areas in Lower Hutt

The Policy and Regulatory Committee is recommending Hutt City Council extend its Smokefree Policy to more outdoor public areas in Lower Hutt.

In 2009 Council adopted a policy that designated playground and swimming pool complexes in the city as smokefree.

The Committee agreed with the officers’ recommendation that a policy approach be used to create more smokefree areas, including parks and sports grounds, train stations, bus shelters, beaches, outdoor dining on pavements, outdoor areas in town centres and outdoor public areas around council buildings and facilities.

The Manager of Strategy and Planning, Wendy Moore, says “A policy approach means the designation of smoke free areas will be promoted through communication and increased visibility for example, with signage and working with other agencies and the community to promote smokefree areas. This is instead of a regulatory approach that would see the creation of a bylaw and enforcement options.

“The Committee agreed that enforcement would be a cumbersome approach and that this was about changing the culture of the community, rather than punishment of individuals who smoke.”

Lower Hutt Mayor Wallace recalls then Minister of Health Helen Clark leading the first smokefree environments legislation in 1990, which signalled a significant change in societal attitudes toward public smoking, “This recommendation is a matter of leadership and our responsibility to help create healthier communities.”

Healthy Families Lower Hutt Manager Hayley Goodin is in full support of the change in policy, “This is a fantastic step forward for Lower Hutt’s contribution to the central Government’s goal of a Smokefree Aotearoa 2025. It’s all about creating a healthier future for our children by making smoking less visible, to help stop them from even starting in the first place.” she says.

Healthy Families Lower Hutt is part of the Government’s wider approach to helping New Zealanders live healthy, active lives. Smokefree communities are one of Healthy Families NZ’s four focus areas, alongside increasing good food choices and physical activity, and reducing alcohol related harm.

This recommendation will be considered by Council at a meeting on 24 May.

ENDS

© Scoop Media